Visitors looking at the layout of SkyWorld Pearlmont during the project’s ground-breaking ceremony in Seberang Perai, Penang. Over 54% of Penang’s population live on the mainland. — Filepic
FOR decades, life on mainland Penang seemed to be overshadowed by the island’s vibrant energy.
As someone who grew up on the island, visits to the mainland always reminded me that land was more affordable there and it offered a quieter, kampung-style way of life.
But that is changing.
In communities stretching from Kepala Batas to Nibong Tebal, residents are seeing a tangible shift as the state and federal governments pour millions of ringgit into infrastructure, river clean-ups and flood-mitigation projects.
These investments are transforming the way people live and see their homes.
Now, I live on the mainland, as do most Penang folk.
Statistics shed light on why the state’s focus has shifted: Seberang Perai now has over 54% of Penang’s population.
In 2020, the mainland population was 946,092 compared to 794,300 on Penang island, based on the Statistics Department.
This demographic reality has spurred the government to align its resources with where a majority of Penang folk live.
Water-treatment projects from south to north of the mainland are in progress and once operational, these facilities will supply millions of litres of treated water daily and provide a safety buffer for the state’s rising demand.
Penang Water Supply Corporation is expanding pipelines across the mainland and to the island, while partnering with Perak authorities to bring additional water into South Seberang Perai, serving tens of thousands of households.
Visitors looking at the layout of SkyWorld Pearlmont during the project’s ground-breaking ceremony in Seberang Perai, Penang. Over 54% of Penang’s population live on the mainland. — Filepic
The state has also taken bold steps to tackle flooding.
In South Seberang Perai alone, five flood-mitigation projects worth millions are in progress, including those for river dredging, widening and reinforcing riverbanks in areas historically prone to inundation.
These life-changing projects would alleviate the impact of flash floods in high-risk areas.
The Sungai Dua-Juru elevated highway is another project that will change the daily life in the area.
Currently, all traffic from Perlis and Kedah to the south of Penang and vice-versa must pass through Butterworth and Perai.
With the new highway, the local roads will be free of the traffic congestion.
The state is also addressing social challenges. Several squatter settlements such as Kampung Manis and Kampung Main Road in Perai are being redeveloped into modern housing.
I feel that Seberang Perai’s transformation reflects a broader vision.
It is no longer peripheral but has become the beating heart of Penang’s growth.
Investments in water, flood control and housing underscore the state government’s commitment to equitable, long-term development.
In the next five to 10 years, perhaps the Mutiara Light Rail Transit will go beyond Penang Sentral to as far as Penaga in the north of the mainland and to Sungai Kerian in the south.
I am looking forward to raising my daughter in Seberang Perai.
In the future, she will not need to find work on the island but would be able to find good-quality jobs on the mainland.
I am confident that if the current projects are completed on schedule, Seberang Perai may soon serve as the anchor for Penang’s next chapter of growth.
